Discover the Leo: Ratings & Maritime News

In a recent development, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has made the decision to suspend the search and rescue (SAR) operations initiated after the tragic sinking of the 'Leo' on March 2, approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, during sunset. The incident resulted in a total of 12 crew members being rescued, who have since been safely transported to Port Elizabeth for necessary medical care and support. The rescue operations saw nine crew members being saved by the container vessel 'Maersk Karachi' (IMO: 9162215), while three others were picked up by the roro vessel 'Grand Hero' (IMO: 9339806). These rescues were notably challenging due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, high swells, and limited visibility. As for the unfortunate incident involving the deceased crew member, authorities are currently in the process of formal identification, collaborating with relevant agencies. The body was recovered by the fishing vessel 'Boronia' and subsequently brought ashore in Port Elizabeth. Despite the extensive SAR efforts, which included both air and sea deployments supervised by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town, five crew members remain unaccounted for. The search operations were launched following the initial distress call but have now been suspended. A navigation warning remains in effect for mariners traveling through the area. This warning alerts them to potential debris, the last-known position of the sunken vessel 'Leo', and the presence of unrecovered life-rafts. Mariners are encouraged to promptly report any sightings of debris, pollution, or individuals in distress to the MRCC Cape Town or Cape Town Radio.

A maritime disaster unfolded in the early hours of March 1, 2026, as the tugboat 'Leo' sank approximately 80 nautical miles off the coast of South Africa's Western Cape region. The incident occurred in treacherous waters while the vessel was navigating back to Lagos after departing from Durban on February 25. Just a day prior to the sinking, the 'Leo' encountered distress about 18 nautical miles from shore, triggering a distress call at 5:02 p.m. on February 28 that activated official rescue operations coordinated by the South African Search and Rescue (SASAR). In a race against time, a mayday relay was sent out via Cape Town Radio to alert nearby vessels, prompting a response from the merchant ships 'Maersk Karachi' (IMO: 9162215), 'Grand Hero' (IMO: 9339806), and a local fishing vessel, 'Boronia.' These vessels played a crucial role in the search efforts alongside a helicopter tasked with providing aerial reconnaissance. Of the 18 crew members who were aboard the 'Leo,' 12 were successfully rescued after abandoning ship into four life rafts before the tug succumbed to the stormy seas. Unfortunately, the incident has claimed one life, with five crew members still missing as search operations continue about 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay. Survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are preparing to receive them. The ongoing search efforts underscore the challenges faced in maritime safety amidst unpredictable weather conditions.

An extensive search and rescue (SAR) operation is currently being led by the South African Maritime Safety Authority in collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town. This operation was initiated after the tug 'Leo' sank approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay. The distressing incident unfolded when the vessel reported severe flooding on February 28, 2023. Having set sail from Durban following an extended lay-up in Bluff, the 'Leo' issued a mayday distress call at 7:02 PM local time, alerting authorities to uncontrolled water ingress and urgently requesting assistance. In a bid to save themselves, the tug's crew, consisting of 18 members, abandoned ship, utilizing four liferafts just before the vessel succumbed to the sea in the early morning hours of March 1. A rapid response ensued, with two merchant vessels and a local fishing boat promptly rerouting to provide aid, complemented by aerial support dispatched to scour the area despite challenging weather conditions. The rescue efforts resulted in 12 survivors being safely landed for medical evaluation and consular assistance, with Nigerian diplomatic officials stepping in to support affected crew members and their families. To streamline the multi-agency rescue efforts, an Incident Management System has been activated, with volunteers from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) collaborating closely with MRCC resources, aircraft, and nearby shipping vessels. The tug, formerly known as 'GMTS Tracker 01', has been linked to a notorious crew abandonment case in Durban in 2023, where outstanding wages were finally resolved and the crew members were successfully repatriated in 2024. Operating under Nigerian control, the tug was in the process of returning to West Africa after undergoing maintenance in South Africa, although specific details of ownership and operational oversight have yet to be clarified by authorities. The distress call regarding uncontrolled flooding raises concerns regarding potential structural failure, machinery-space ingress, or loss of stability. Investigators are anticipated to scrutinize the vessel's seaworthiness, maintenance history, and operational condition following its extended lay-up. A formal marine casualty investigation is set to commence once the search operations have concluded, focusing on key aspects such as: the origin of the flooding, the vessel’s condition post-lay-up, compliance with safety certifications, and the impact of weather conditions during the journey.